With the American Thanksgiving around the corner, I thought it would be interesting to compare the American Thanksgiving with Chuseok the "Korean Thanksgiving."
Food
In the American Thanksgiving, turkey is the main dish surrounded by stuffing, rolls, green bean casserole, cranberry and pumpkin pie.
During Chuseok in America, Songpyon, a crescent shaped rice cake, is the main dish. In addition to songpyon, one can easily find kimchi, bulgogi and fruit amongst the many side dishes.
Day of Celebration
In the American Thanksgiving, the holiday is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November, whereas in Korea, Chuseok is celebrated every 15th day of the 8th lunar month.
History
The origins of both the American Thanksgiving and Chuseok are very unique and interesting. The American Thanksgiving traces its origins back to a 1621 celebration in present-day Massachusetts. It is often thought of as the day where Pilgrims gave thanks to God for bringing them safely to the New World- America. However, whether the first Thanksgiving actually occurred in the United States has been debatable. Many scholars believe that Chuseok originated from ancient shamanistic celebrations of the harvest moon. However, today, it is typically thought to be a celebration with family of the good harvest.
A depiction of the First Thanksgiving in America.
Family
In both the United States and Korea, families spend their respective national holidays with their families. Whereas Americans usually spend time in their homes with one another, Koreans will often times go to the tombs of their immediate ancestors to pay their respects.
Games
In America, the most common game to play during Thanksgiving is American football. It is very common to find families spending the afternoon watching or playing this fun American sport. In Korea, a variety of folk games are played during Chuseok. Many people often play tug of war, archery, and ssireum (a form of wrestling). However, the games that are played vary from region to region.
In America, the most common game to play during Thanksgiving is American football. It is very common to find families spending the afternoon watching or playing this fun American sport. In Korea, a variety of folk games are played during Chuseok. Many people often play tug of war, archery, and ssireum (a form of wrestling). However, the games that are played vary from region to region.
